Arteta Hails ‘More Reliable’ Squad and Reveals Havertz Setback.

Arsenal's manager remains confident that his team can keep managing with player absences following revealing that star striker Kai Havertz remains out for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The Germany international has been sidelined for months after undergoing an operation on his knee. Initially expected to come back earlier in December, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when advancing his training and was unable to move forward “the next phase.”

“Our experience helped us build a group that is far more dependable and has more options,” commented Arteta.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This development presents a dilemma for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker against Chelsea, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return from a muscle injury in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also an option post-recovery.

Defensive Concerns Remain

Additional concerns involve defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who both missed the weekend encounter. As a result, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to keep their places in central defence for the table-toppers.

The manager is convinced the £250m spend on reinforcements during the summer has resulted in a far better place to navigate such absences.

Greater Options Vital for Title Challenge

Questioned if increased squad depth was benefiting their league challenge, his response was positive. “Indeed, because this season has seen more issues in some areas, and now the situation with the backline,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we have to use players in various roles, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we want to compete at the highest level. And the example of Mikel Merino.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Speaking about the complication highlighted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered more insight. “He followed all protocols. He was unable to progress to the next level and now it appears like we have overcome that hurdle.”

Arteta expressed his eagerness to have him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. I mean, he is a footballer who, for me, I love so much for his contributions to the team, but his character, his personality. I see him suffer while sidelined.”

“His fitness history is exceptional, he's usually fit, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back with the squad on the pitch because I think it’s going to be a significant uplift.”